Chef Edward Lee wakes every morning with a passion for his work, and for learning and discovering new things.
Lee is a Korean-American chef from Brooklyn, trained in the kitchens of New York. He is the owner of 610 Magnolia and Milkwood restaurants.
In 2001, a Kentucky Derby road trip brought him to discover 610 Magnolia, where he fell in love with his surroundings. Within a year, Lee relocated to Louisville and the growing new southern food scene.
Lee’s culinary style draws from his Asian heritage, his New York training, and his embracing of the American south, combined with the best ingredients from local farms. He has been featured in many publications, was the winner on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” and was a season favorite on the Cooking Channel’s “Top Chef.”
He has twice been named a finalist for the James Beard Foundation Award, Best Chef Southeast. Lee has been on major news shows and has had several articles published in various journals. Lee’s cookbook, “Smoke and Pickles,” shares recipes and stories of his life.
In addition to 610 Magnolia, Lee operates The Wine Studio, a special event dining room, and Milkwood, a downtown restaurant serving southern bar food with an Asian pantry. He also collaborates on new product developments, including a luxury bourbon.